BusPAC FAQ
What is BusPAC?
BusPAC, the American Bus Association’s nonpartisan political action committee, is a vital resource for ABA’s government affairs efforts, ensuring the motorcoach, tour and travel industry’s unique issues are at the forefront on Capitol Hill. BusPAC is funded on a voluntary basis by ABA members from all aspects of the industry. BusPAC funds are used to contribute to political campaigns and support of members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate who support the industry. All contributions are voluntary, and no individual will ever face reprisal or retribution for not participating in BusPAC.
What is a political action committee (PAC)?
A political action committee gives businesses, trade and professional associations and labor organizations a way to pool the resources of their members and employees to support candidates for federal elective office. PACs were authorized by federal law in the 1970s and nearly all trade, professional and labor organization have now created PACs.
Why do I have to complete a prior approval form?
Federal Election Commission regulations state that PACs may only share information with individuals whose companies have given the PAC prior approval to do so. Giving prior approval does not commit you or anyone in your organization to make contributions, it simply gives BusPAC the opportunity to send you information about BusPAC.
Why doesn’t the American Bus Association just use its own money to make political contributions?
Federal law prohibits corporate contributions to candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
What kind of contributions can BusPAC accept?
According to federal law, BusPAC can only accept personal contributions by eligible individuals. If you have any questions about an individual’s eligibility to contribute, please call 202-218-7206 or email BusPAC@buses.org.
Why is BusPAC important to you and your business?
By giving prior approval to send you additional information and participating in BusPAC, you are helping ensue that the American Bus Association is able to help elect candidates who support the motorcoach, tour and travel industry. BusPAC helps grow our industry’s allies and supporters on Capitol Hill by building relationships, enhancing the visibility of our industry, promoting our membership and the critical role you play in the U.S. economy.
What is the difference between a PAC and a Super PAC?
A traditional PAC, such as BusPAC, may only receive a maximum contribution of $5,000 from each individual contributor per calendar year. Super PACs may accept unlimited contributions to support candidates for federal office. However, Super PACs cannot contribute directly to federal candidates’ campaigns or political parties, while traditional PACs are allowed to do so. Super PACs spend their funds on electioneering activities such as advertising in support or opposition of particular issues or candidates. ABA only operates a traditional PAC and does not engage in electioneering activities.
What kind of candidates does BusPAC support?
Candidates supported through BusPAC will be chosen on the basis of their qualifications, political trends, leadership changes, and overall motorcoach, travel and tourism industry concerns. Our industry’s issues are generally bipartisan.
I still have questions, who can I contact?
For more information about BusPAC, please contact Suzanne Rohde at (202) 218-7224 or srohde@buses.org. For more information about federal election laws, please go to the Federal Election Commission website at www.fec.org.
